Cyrelle Pinar, 87

Cyrelle B. Pinar, a teacher, gardener, traveler, artist, linguist, and animal philanthropist, died of natural causes at home in Springs on Sept. 23. She was 87.

A resident of Springs and New York’s Greenwich Village, Ms. Pinar had lived in far-flung locations including London and Istanbul. Born in Brooklyn on Jan. 16, 1926, to Joseph David Barzilay and the former Ana Joseffer, she grew up in Manhattan. She earned a master’s degree in education from New York University.

After graduation, Ms. Pinar started teaching on American military bases in England and Turkey. She met Najar Pinar, a Turkish naval attaché officer, in Istanbul, where she lived for 10 years. She and Mr. Pinar married around 1965, but the marriage ended in divorce after approximately five years. Mr. Pinar died before her.

Upon returning to the United States, Ms. Pinar taught in New York’s Chinatown neighborhood for more than 30 years, also serving on the school board there. At home in Springs, she was an avid gardener and wrote short stories about her varied travels and experiences. She also enjoyed reading and playing bridge.

Ms. Pinar is survived by a stepdaughter, Sirma Pinar of Istanbul. Two cousins, Michael Joseffer of New York and Andrea Joseffer of New York and Palm Beach, Fla., also survive.

Funeral services were private. A friend, Lenora Bach of Miami suggested memorial contributions to the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, P.O. Box 901, Wainscott 11975. A bench will also be donated in Ms. Pinar’s memory to the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in Springs, Ms. Bach said. An unveiling will happen next spring.